Potential of medicinal plants from the Brazilian semi-arid region (Caatinga) against Staphylococcus epidermidis planktonic and biofilm lifestyles

► 20 plants were effective in preventing Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation. ► High antibiofilm activity was detected in plants of Fabaceae. ► 13 plants were able to inhibit S. epidermidis planktonic bacterial growth. ► Polyphenols, coumarins, steroids and terpenes as possible active compounds. ► Traditional Brazilian medicine is a valuable tool to discovery new prototypes.